Scales and Honor: City of Light

Chapter 13: Second Curtain Revealed

    Lyndis hugged the pristine stone walls of the hallway stretching out before her. It had not been that long since they had split from the others, and were making good time towards the vault. If Merlia's updates were to be believed. Her minds drifted to the others for a moment as she passed one of the numerous suits of shining silver armor, hoping that they were going to be alright. Well there has been no shouts of alarm...no roaring dragon....good signs everything is going to plan. They passed a group of guards walking down the corridor with chain mail armor, non the wiser as Merlia's spell kept them out of notice. She passed the hallway in a flash behind the guards, catching a word or two of the conversation they seemed to be having. They were talking about hydra's or something, and Elwin this and that. She did a double take at that, ducking behind a table that had a black urn on it.  Did Elwin go and see the many eyed base? She knew that Hogar had gone to see her after all, perhaps she returned with him....and found I was not there....She crossed her fingers, as the others dashed across the hallway. Hopefully she believed I was not there....or Hogar was lying.  She remembered the white wig she had found in the bloody room, and how it has his signature on the underside. That's probably why he ended up in that room....She wrinkled her brow as the moved to another stand of armor,right below a large painting of a knight standing over the dead body of a dragon, her sword held high. He is probably dead.....from whatever they were doing in that room.

    “How much further until the vault?" Lyndis whispered, as they made their way to a smooth stone stairway leading further down into the castle. This place reminded her of the castles back home, with how neat and well kept everything was. Probably because its a bloody castle. She told herself, To think I am here right now.....going to steal from the worst nation known to mortal kind....She smiled. It will be a story worth telling....and taunting Lumara about.
    

    “Not long now lass." Merlia said back, her voice low. Lyndis could hardly make her out from how her body was blending into the back of the wall.

    Got to love this spell.  She nodded, running a hand along the cool stone wall as she made her way down the steps without a sound. Her ears perked up as her hand shot suddenly to the hilt one of her rapiers as she suddenly head the heavy footsteps of someone coming towards the stairway. She grabbed the golden clasp with her left hand and spoke the activation word, turning fully invisible. She dashed forward as if she were a teal dragon and without a sound. Something only a rogue like her could achieve. She reached the bottom of the stairs in a flash, and bolted through the entryway. She was in the middle of another corridor wide enough to fit two Veledar sized dragons, made of black stone, and many tapestries lining the way, with one female elven guard with a torch walking towards the way she had just come.

    Well we can't have you raising the alarm mate. She bounded quickly as she could, positioning herself right behind the unaware young woman. Lyndis pulled out her rapier, and mentally aimed were the hilt of her weapon go. She could hear Arcturus in her mind thanking her for not just killing the woman. There are good people here after all...just doing their jobs.. She narrowed her eyes and moved in, just as the elven woman's ears suddenly twitched. She went to spin around but she was not fast enough. Lyndis was on her in a flash, and hammered her head once right in a pressure point with the butt end of her rapier. The woman stumbled with a surprised expression, before falling over with her eyes shut.

    “So I see ya made a friend." Merlia whispered, as she and Ulga crept into the room with Asterion right behind. “I was wonderin why ya suddenly turned invisible." The dwarf passed over the woman quickly, eyes briefly scanning her body. “Well ya went and just knocked her out lass. Ya didn't need any special drink either. Arcturus would be bleeden proud of ya."

    “Yes I know he bloody will be." She rolled her eyes playfully, turning her head down the hallway again. “Lets pull her aside, so no one finds her by chance. Than we should probably not linger."

    “I know lass. Ya tink dis is da only time I be infiltratin a place?" Merlia grabbed the woman with Asterion and pulled her until she was propped up behind a suit of armor they found standing in the hallway. “I should tell ya about dis one time I had ta try and infiltrate a brothel that specialized in Siigonis." She turned and gave her a wink. “Probably one of da most fun quests I been on."

    Oh lord. Lyndis laughed silently, shaking her head as she crouched and made her way back down the tapestry clad hallway. Her eyes went to each one, all of them were a solid color with a symbol somewhere on it's surface. Underneath each one of these proud things was a small plaque, with a date and writing on why it was within this hall. She stopped when she saw one she recognized out of all of them. There was a plaque with the word LUND engraved on it's surface. “For helping save us from the tyranny of dragons, and driving them from our borders. We honor this family for all time." She raised her gaze to find a large green tapestry, with a golden lion at it's center holding a sword and shield. If you could see your latest Lund. She smirked. He is in love with the beasts you hunted. He is even intertwined with one. Take that you stupid good for nothing gits.

    “Dere, hopefully no one goes an finds her until were finished." Merlia rubbed her hands together, her eyes once again resuming their scan of the hallway. “So how many rings an amulets you think there are?" She asked, running a hand along the back of Ulga, causing the large cat to give a soft pur.

    “Hopefully there will be enough for one ring, and amulet for all of us." Lyndis chuckled, leading them down the corridor, once again hugging the wall and letting the ranger's spell keep them hidden. “That way there isn't too much bickering about items."
    
    “Hey I didn bicker." Merlia laughed, pointing to her blue bracers. “Tough I wish Matilda would have been in ta change dem."

    “I just care about if there are diamonds within that vault." Asterion snorted.

    “Ya sound jus as bad as da dragon. Book this, book that. Though wit you it be diamonds."

    “Leave Asterion alone." Lyndis replied quickly, he minds his tongue and waits patiently. Unlike our red scaled friend who reminds us all the time of why we are here."

    “Ok ya got me dere lass. Asterion I bet there be a whole pile of diamonds for ye." She held up her hands and cupped them. “So much dey be flowin out of ya hands like water."

    “That would be wonderful." the bull gave her a genuine smile. “That however would mean our time together would be at an end."
    
    “Oh right. I forgot ya only wit us for da shiny rocks." Merlia threw up her hands.  “What I tell ya, just like da dragon."

    
    Lyndis took her next step, her heart starting to quicken with each additional one. She lead the others for several  minutes down corridors, some only mortal sized, while others were able to fit two gryphons with their wings unfurled. They pressed on in silence, stopping for at least three more patrols. Each one they managed to sneak passed with as little effort as the first one. I guess they do not expect someone to get in this far. She thought, watching the latest patrol walk out of sight. I almost thought there would be numerous constructs, magical barriers at each turn, people detecting for magic. Her eyes narrowed, it was almost like things were going too easy.

    “Lass stop." Merlia suddenly whispered, pulling her flat against the wall and pointing up down the corridor they were currently walking down, right to near the top of the ceiling.

    “What do you see?" She strained her eyes a moment, trying to make shapes out of the grey stone. Her eyes traced the wall, looking at every line, crack, or small..Does that stone have an eye? She almost did a double take as she focused on that spot. She followed the eye and made out the form of a gryphon, whose feathers were matching the stone behind it as it sat perfectly still on a perch. How did I miss that.

    “Deres two of dem." Merlia continued, moving her finger from the one Lyndis was looking at to another one that was at the other side of the hallway, perched in just the same way. “Dey must have a spell on em as well. Dey be blenden wit da wall as well."

    “Do you think they spotted us?" Her eyes locked onto them, moving from one to the other. They couldn't have right? There would have been shrieks, or an alarm would have been sounded.

    “Nah, but its da next part dat gits trickier. Gryphons can be mighty loud screamers."
    
    “Well you would know after all." Lyndis chuckled softly, averting her gaze to just below were the gryphons were, to a rather large wooden door.

    “Well dat be true lass...Ya shoulda heard Krotos da utter...well another time then..... Well we need ta tink of somethin, we need ta get beyond dat door o course. The vault should just be on the otter side."

    “I can silence them." Asterion snorted. “That would stop any shriek of theirs."

    “Good idea." Have to love that spell. It is so handy at times. Perhaps I can convince him to stick around even after he gets his diamonds?......Or find another cleric who knows the spell. “I could create an illusion of a gryphon calling out to them. Maybe it will get them to come down and talk to it."

    “Den when they are down talking to the illusion of yours I could try and ensnare dem with an entangle." Merlia curled her hand to a fist. “Hopefully we don't have ta kill da handsome bastards."

    “Handsome?" Lyndis raised an eye.

    “What even blenden in as dey are I can tell dat."

    “And you can make out if they are focken male from here?"

    “I never said dey were lass." Merlia chuckled, “I jus said dey were handsome."

    Okay we have a plan. “Ok Asterion you do your thing. I will summon the gryphon." She held out her hand as the bull snorted in reply. "Hezdremhah ilir" she muttered, drawing a square with her finger. In her mind she pictured a female version of Krotos, strutting down the corridor. She pictured the gryphon looking to them and batting her eyes at them. She opened her eyes to see the form she had created walking down the corridor towards the gryphons. The blue feathered female strutting carefully along, unfurling her teal tipped wings for a mere moment before resetting them on her back.

    “Why hello up there!" The illusion called out in a high pitched feminine voice.    

    “What are you doing in here." came the gruff reply of a gryphon, it sounded like he had something caught in his throat. “No one comes down here."

    “Well I just got lost is all." the illusion cood, flicking her tail and turning to her side, looking back towards Lyndis. “I was wondering if you could direct me out of here....first day and all."

    The gryphon let out a pleased chirp as it spread it's wings, and bounded down to land softly next to the illusion. Once free from the wall he puffed out his white feathers with black stripes. He carried himself on his onyx colored forelimbs, letting his talons clink on the stone. He swelled up his chest as Lyndis recognized what he was doing and chuckled to herself.

    He was trying to show off for her. Probably thinks he can have a little fun.

    “Well my dear, you just have to.." The gryphon's eyes trailed to the illusions behind. “Go down the way you just came and take a left at the intersection. Head straight..." He moved close, almost brushing up against her. The illusion gave him a soft coo as her body shook softly. “Down that way and there should be others who can help you." he continued, ending with another pleased chirp. 'Although I am thinking you might stay, and have a little fun with us. The night has been long and boring after all."

    Lyndis' eyes pulled away from the gryphon, and looked to the other one who was just staring and watching. Come on down you bastard. Your buddy is currently trying to get his breeding stick wet, why not come down and join him? She looked to where Merlia was hiding, the dwarf seemed ready to pounce now, regardless of the fact both were down here or not.  Her face was all stern looking, as she was held her bow tight.

    “Wait a minute." The gryphon said, brushing up against the illusion, and groping her flank. “This is....."
    
    “Now!" she cried out, dashing from her spot. She saw Asterion point his mace at the gryphon up above, no doubt silencing his cry for help. She closed the distance with the striped gryphon. He unfurled his wings, and tried to leap away but found himself ensnared. Lyndis could see  the stone had sprung vines of all sizes, wrapping around his talons and holding him firm. Just try to knock him out. She thought closing in on the thrashing gryphon, she was just mere steps now from reaching him. Easier said than done. Knocking out is always harder than killing. She ducked under a thrash from one of his freed talons, the claws narrowly missing her form as she side stepped another. He tried to move away again but thankfully Merlia's vines held. She did a leap, and smashed the hilt of her rapier onto the head of the gryphon. He let out a pained squawk, followed him batting her to the ground with his paw.

    She rolled onto the ground, easily recovering and standing up straight. Didn't even hurt that bad. The hit to the head, plus the vines must have weakened him. She grinned and moved in again, as she saw several arrows fly upwards, towards what she figured was the second gryphon either joining in, or trying to flee. She dodged another clumsy attack from the gryphon,as she slammed her rapier right under his chin, than following up by another one to the back of his feathered head.

    The gryphon's struggle against the vines started to lessen, as he let out another squawk. His talons lashed out at her clumsily, only tasting air as she moved to the right. She could hear the others combating with the other one as she dodged yet another slice of the kitty bird's talons.  She saw his eyes widen with fear as he seemed to acknowledge that he was going to lose this fight. Just be glad we are not trying to kill you. I have seen many ways to kill you right now and save myself the trouble.

    “Achelous!" the one she was fighting went to say, but she crashed the hilt of her weapon this time into his beak, silencing him with a loud clack. The gryphon stumbled backwards like a drunkard who has had far too many.

    This is it. She closed the distance to his fumbling body, pushing herself off with enough force  so that she was doing a flip in mid air over him, and brought her hilt down once again on the same spot as before on the back of the head. Sweet dreams birdy. She finished her flip, landing on her feet softly on the other side of him. She smirked as she heard his body slump to the floor. Well that's one down, now time for the-- She had to spin around to catch the other one bounding passed her, and with a mighty flap of his wings was already gaining altitude. His wings were practically scrapping the sides of the hallway as he tried to desperately get away.

    “Merlia!" she said in a loud whisper. “We can't let him warn anyone!"

    “I know lad." Merlia responded, knocking two her her arrows and drawing a bead on the gryphon. She held for just a moment as she picked out her target,as the gryphon flapped his wings again. “Sorry lad." She muttered under her breath as she let the twin arrows fly. They soared from the bow and through the air, closing in on their intended target. Before the gryphon could flap his wings again both arrows found their mark, his wings, right at the joints.

    The gryphon gave out a pained shriek for just a second before Asterion silence him with another word, as he crashed into the wall. The gryphon than tumbled to the floor, crashing onto the stone surface, and struggling to stand.

    Lyndis gave him no quarter as she sprinted towards the struggling creature. She felt two arrows zoom passed her towards his shaking frame. These arrows made contact with his the joints of his hind legs, the heads passing through his flesh with ease. The gryphon stumbled and collapsed in silent agony, allowing Lyndis the chance to catch up with him. She maneuvered her way to the beasts front, and held her rapier to his beak, right in front of his eyes. She made sure that his icy blue globes traced the metallic length of her weapon.

    The gryphon shot a look of pure fury with his eyes, than looked to the weapon hanging in front of him, and than finally back to her.

    Come on surrender.

    The gryphon hung his head and slumped to the ground in what she thought was a look of surrender.

    Good. She stowed her rapier with a one quick motion, and opened her pack. She rifled around to pull out the sturdy silk rope she always carried around with her. Never know when your going to need it after all. She started wrapping the gryphon's beak with the stuff when Asterion finally made his way over.  When she was finished with that, the bull snapped his fingers to shut off the spell he had cast.

    “This was smart surrendering." She muttered to the gryphon as she began binding his fore paws. “We didn't want to hurt you. I know your just doing your job. Sorry for this." Her eyes went to the arrows still sticking into his joints, covered with a thin layer of crimson. “Merlia can we do something about the arrows? I do not want to leave him like this." She turned her head to the dwarf and asked.

    “Sure ting lass. I can be doin dat faster den a gryphon makin a pass at ye." Merlia replied, rubbing her hands together and moving to the hind limbs. “Sorry fer shootin ya lad. But I couldn let ya be warnin yer friends about us." She grasped the first arrow as Lyndis began wrapping his hind legs, and pulled out one of her axes. With a swift chop she cut off the feathered tip of the arrow. Than she yanked the rest of the arrow through, causing the gryphon to groan in pain. “Its ok." Merlia whispered, touching the wound with her hand, as a small bit of white light shed into the bleeding hole, and healing it in an instant. “Merlia's got ya lad." She moved to the next arrow and did it again. “If it means anyting  to ya." Merlia chuckled moving to the wing joints next, just as Lyndis moved to bind them as well. “Your sexy gryphon, and if wern't fighten I'd make a pass at ya.."

    The gryphon gave a small groan as the rest of his wounds were healed.  Each one causing a shiver to go through his body.

    “What? I know it ain't as good as my bull buddy dere." She thumbed back to Asterion. “But it'll do for da arrows."

    Lyndis looked away from the gryphon as she finished up with the bindings. She walked away carefully, her eyes looking first to the unconscious gryphon down the hall, and than to the perches on which they had been waiting. Good the guards are down...But why were they camouflaged?....Ok I know it was to blend in...but that spell does not last forever...She looked to the gryphons paws and talons, looking for any glimmer of metal, or small ring that could be around a digit. However there was nothing, not single thing could be seen. So I don't see any magical items.....that means someone cast the spell on them..

    “Asterion can you drag this one back to the other one?" She tapped the gryphon's flank with her boot, causing his tail to flick against her. If she did not know better she would have thought the bastard was trying to giver her a peak under his tail.

    The bull replied with a nod as he puffed out his chest, and grabbed hold of the gryphons bindings. She saw him mutter the strength enhancing spell like he had done in the alley before, easily dragging the gryphon behind him as he followed her down the hallway.

    Her eyes scanned the upper levels , especially around the perches. Maybe they had someone else with them? She narrowed her eyes and strained them,trying to find anything, anyone who she could pin the spell on. Once again her quick search turned up no answers, as she gave an irritated sigh. Well it is mighty strange. She stopped next to the other gryphon as Asterion tossed the other one lightly next to his counterpart. Lyndis saw his eyes were still filled with worry as they darted to each one of them.

    “Hey." She crouched to be eye level with the worried gryphon. “I said we were not going to hurt you....We're not even going to torture you or anything..." She looked passed him to the iron door they had been guarding. “We just need to get some bloody things outta your vault. Then we will be on our merry way. Ya?" She patted the side of his beak lightly, before standing up and walking over to the door.

    “Dun worry, lad." Merlia laughed, “If we get caught, we'll tell ya boss ya did everyting ya could." she padded over, taking her place alongside Lyndis, her eyes inspecting the door. “Well it dun look like any traps be here." She said after a moment of silence.

    No harm in double checking. Lyndis ran a finger softly along the cold iron door, making an imaginary line until she hit the door frame. There was hardly a scratch on the surface of this thing, it was absolutely smooth, pristine, and without dust. Have to hand it to them I guess. She looked top to bottom, trying to find the smallest imperfection, the smallest defect, anything that would alert her to the sign of a trap. With a sigh she admitted there was nothing here to find. “Well it looks like we're in the clear it does." She grinned, turned to Merlia and gave her a quick tooth filled smile. “Never hurts to be careful after all."

    “I will lead the way then." Asterion strode forward, opening the door with a push from one hand. To Lyndis' amazement the door opened without a sound, it almost made her do a double take. When was the last time a door opened without some kind of noise? Her ears twitched, trying to listen for anything out of the ordinary. She only heard the small mechanical clicking of what must be a clock in the other room. She followed the bull in as he gave a deep breath and entered.

    The room stretched wide before her, the dim light of mana lanterns lining the dark grey stone walls. They were also  more tapestries on the walls, but these ones were a dull brown, with gold trim. They reached down from the vast ceiling all the way to the floor below, Lyndis figured they were the size of three dragon's stacked right on top of one another. She tried to not look too impressed as her eyes went past the rows upon of rows of desks, and pedestals that contained little pieces of art from places she knew not where. She followed the red carpeted floor with her eyes, until they rested on the far wall made of a shining metal surface. It stretched from wall to wall with a  door centered perfectly in the middle, with faint glowing runes around it's edges.

    “See dat looks like somethin dwarves would be makin." Merlia crossed her arms and said proudly. “All metal an wit runes." She nodded, and then turned her head to all the art littered around. “Course we woulda put all dis in the vault as well." She wrinkled her brow. “Ya elves and humans be weird."

    Asterion just gave a snort in response as his tail twitched, and his eyes fell to the large towering statue of a minotaur warrior wielding a giant ax in both of his stone hands.

    Lyndis carefully stepped around the thing, her hand hovering briefly over her rapier as she glared at it. It was not crazy to believe it might spring to life and start trying to smash them with it's hardened weapon, after all it had happened before. “Keep your eyes peeled." Lyndis said to them softly. “I have a bad feeling about this place...Something doesn't feel right."

    “Ya don't have ta say dat again lass. I can feel it in da bottom of me beard." Merlia replied, jerking her head towards the door. “I bet wit all me power dat door be locked. Now ya tink ya can be unlocking it lass?"

    “Of course I focken can!" Lyndis replied, placing her hands on her hips.

    “Well ya couldn' pick a lock on yer cell of the many eyed." Merlia turned, raising an eyebrow.

    'That was different, they had me inside an antimagical cell." She waved dismissively at Merlia as she strode confidently to the door. “Now that I am not inside one, prepare to eat your words." She pulled off her pack and quickly found the lock picking tools. Her face darkened as she remembered Azzik bringing them to her, a look of pride on his little black pebbly face. With a sigh she opened the box and pulled out the first one, and looked up to the faintly glowing runes. “Just keep an eye out for any trouble you two." She pointed to the others. “Just in case we have any more other surprises laying in wait."

    “Ya dun haf ta tell me twice lass." Merlia chuckled, as she turned to glare out at the room with her bow at the ready.

    Asterion put a hand on her shoulder for a brief moment. “May Kord guide your hands to success." He nodded, as a warmth spread to her.  He looked away to join the dwarf with her watch.

    Lyndis gave a deep breath as her limbs felt all warm. She had heard about the spell he had just cast. Something called guidance, it was known to help focus the mind and improve someone's ability at a task.  “Thanks for the spell Asterion!" she shouted back, “Although I don't thinl I will be needing it!" She turned one of the lock picks over in her fingers. At least I hope I don't

    “Better safe than sorry Lyndis." the bull snorted back.

    “Yea, yea, yea." She took the pick in one hand and moved towards the lock on the door. She watched the runes glimmer in the faint light, as if almost daring her to fail. Probably some sort of magical trap here as well. She held out her left hand, and did a quick star pattern in the air. She was not preforming any spell, but trying to sense what kind of magic was in the air here. She ran her left hand close to the surface of one of the runes, and let it hover there. Well it certainly looks and feels like it was just used to strengthen the lock ...Although there could always be a trap. Her eyes stared along the other runes for a moment as she swished her hand back and forth.  Her eyes widened as she felt a small little cooling spot on her palm. There was a trap here! She wrinkled her brow. “Asterion!" She shouted.

    “Yes?"

    “Can I borrow you for a moment? I found a magical trap!"

    “What kind of trap?" He strode over with heavy hoof steps, setting his mace down softly on the carpet.

    “I don't know without a detect magic, but it can't be good whatever it is." She glanced to him as he crouched next to her, setting his larger hands next to hers. “Do you think you can shut it down?"

    He moved his hand slightly, trying to preform the same motions she was doing with her left hand. “Depends on how powerful the spell is. If it is a third level spell or lower I could disable it with a dispel magic." He muttered, placing his hand to his bearded chin.

    “Well there is no harm in trying right? I mean what if the trap suddenly turned us all inside out?"

    “I would be giving up a spellslot to preform the task." He murmured, than settled his arm at his side. “Okay it will be worth the risk." He held up both hands and formed them into the shape of a triangle. “Vostavek lu" he uttered with a deep voice.

    Lyndis felt a slight shimmer in the magical field with her left hand, and the cooling sensation vanish. She smiled to the bull, The magical trap had vanished. “Good focken job!" She clasped him on the shoulder. “See this is why we have ya around you beautiful cleric you."

    “I neva knew you taught he was B-"

    “Expression Merlia!" She laughed back, returning her sights to the door. “Ok thanks, now I can get back to opening this thing."
    
    “You are most welcome Lyndis. May your conquer the door swiftly." He stood up, retrieved his mace, and pounded his chest three times. He strode back to Merlia, flicking his tail as he went. She imagined him having a little smirk of pride.

    Okay Lyndis....Unlock this door.....Teach those Lumarian fockers......that non of their locks are safe from you.  She used her left hand to grab hold of the magical aura, imagining herself warping it around in her grasp. She plunged the lock pick into the keyslot, and got to work. She wrinkled her brow as she continued to work around with the prodding, picking, and moving of her hand. Each time she was sure she was going to unlock it, something seemed to change and she was forced to pull back, or change the movement of her left hand. This is certainly a chore.....a worthy challenge.....She laughed to herself as she started to sound like Asterion. Than she felt the lock give way, the magical aura weaken with her movements. I got it. She smiled big, as she felt the tumblers click and the magical aura fade.
“THATS THE FOCKEN WAY!" She shouted out, throwing her arms up in victory. “TAKE THAT YA FOCKEN LUMARIAN BASTARDS!" She stood up and pumped her fist in victory. “NO LOCK IS SAFE FROM LYNDIS THE BEST FOCKEN ROGUE!" She almost gave a twirl, but managed to hold herself back.

    “Great job lass." Merlia laughed, striding over in an instant with Ulga. “Course ya may want ta keep it down. We still tryin ta keep a low profile ya know."

    “Great job princess." Asterion gave her a nod. “You have preformed well on your battlefield of choice."

    Leave it to Asterion to compare lock picking to a battlefield. “Thanks for the spell Asterion." She playfully punched his shoulder. “Couldn't have done it without you."

    “Yes you could have."

    She breathed in once, letting the air pool in her lungs for a moment before pressing her hand onto the door as she turned the knob.  Well Lumara, let's see what ya have for focken treasure...Also maybe Veledar's book..

    * * * * *

    Veledar slunk down the darkened hallway large enough to fit two gryphons with their wings unfurled. He hugged the ever present shadows that seemed to cling to every surface, in an effort to not go through his spells until he needed them. Hopefully I won't need them.  He had shrunk himself to about the size of waist high dog, finding it much easier to navigate the corridors, and hide when needed. I will of course leave this out when I tell the others about my heroic deed. He moved behind a suit of armor, mindful that his tail not catch on any of the plates. Although I might confess to Arcturus........only if he asks.....nicely. He ducked quickly  behind a stone statue after the suit of armor, just as two guards began to stroll towards him at the end of corridor.

    One was an elven man, with a thin frame and tired looking eyes. His counterpart was a human woman, with a fierce looking walk as her own eyes scanned the shadows above. While he had his sword stowed, and his crossbow slung over his shoulder, she had her energy crossbow held in her two hands, almost as if she were expecting anything to be leaping out at her.

    “So what do you reckon all the knights is about?" she asked to the other guard in a hushed voice, as she took her next few careful steps. “I have never seen so many in one area before."

    “I have not the foggiest." Replied the elf, his ears twitching on either side of his white haired head. “Although one could deduce that something important was happening....They could always be preforming a training exercise as well."

    Knights? Veledar cocked his head to the side as he fidgeted his wings on his back. The ones like Arcturus? He stood frozen behind the statue as he watched the two walk by. It matters not what these Lumarian's are doing. He continued on when he was sure they were outside earshot, quickly crossing the distance, and rounding the corner that they had emerged from. As long as I get my book back, nothing they do actually matters to me. Let them have their little war...He passed underneath some paintings as he snuck a peak at the map he had been currently carrying in his maw the entire time. He tried to not think about how much he actually did look like a canine. I will fly Arcturus and I away from it, and we will be safe....together.. He uncurled the map and practically stuck his snout to the parchment. According to it, he was close to this wizards personal study. Well I certainly hope this wizard is actually there. He smiled to himself as he rolled up the map, and grasped it once again with his teeth. Than I get to have a conversation with him about proper ownership, and about how terribly rude it is to go stealing a dragon's things.

    Veledar smirked as he pictured the man or woman pissing themselves in fright as he brandished his claws one by one at them. I won't even feel bad or guilty for inspiring terror in them. Did they know how much trouble that they have placed me through? Honestly, they only brought this upon themselves. He rounded yet another corner, his tail hugging the stone as he passed by in almost complete silence. He could make out further along this hallway a winding staircase at the end, clearly going up to the the next floor above. He could practically feel the book in between his paws. Such a grand journey it's been. He smiled once again, careful to not damage the map in his mouth. He bounded from shadow to shadow with an increased pace as his heart beat faster, and faster. Almost there...it will all be over..final stretch now.
    “Didn't ya hear? Gwen led an assault on all the many eyed compounds within the city. Guess they finally had enough of them skulking around." came the sound of a deep voice, clearly male.

    Veledar froze mid stride up the staircase, his frills twitching, and he lowered himself into the shadows.

    “Yeah, heard that they folded pretty easily. Finally met their match I suppose." came a second voice, female, soft and sweet. Than the form of two guards walked pass the entry way to the staircase, armed just the same as the previous two had been.

    “Except I heard something different happened at one of their bases." replied the other one with a smile. “They say when the paladin showed up they were already dead in the place...They even say that the observer that ran the whole operation was killed."

    “An observer?" the woman gasped, placing a hand to her mouth. “Are you sure?"

    “Yup, I've been hearing the tale all morning. From guards that say they were their to do the sweep of the place. I figure there is a group of strong adventurers running around, especially to take something like that horrid creature out."

    “I'll say...but glad they did though. I will sleep easier knowing such a creature was put down by a group of do gooders."

    “I wouldn't get your hopes up. Their type always seem to have their morality decided by the coin offered to them."

    “Well even still." the woman sounded like she smiled. “I would still buy them a round for their service."

    Well I could always use a drink....and to hear someone whisper praises to me. He twitched his frills, watching the two dissapear. Well the sooner I get back to Arcturus I can work on him doing that for me.....perhaps he even will pet my frills again! He shook his head. Focus...focus...got to get the book back....not about frill petting....or how Arcturus might go further south with his touch. He turned around, and practically bounded up the stone steps, his claws making little clack marks as they dragged against the smooth surface. It's a shame they have to use stairs instead of being able to fly. His eyes narrowed as he continued up the winding staircase. Whoops. He nearly lost his footing as he came to a section that had been carpeted in blue, instead of just being the stone he had been running up. Who in the nine hells put that there? He slowed his pace, shot the carpet a glare, and a quick snarl.

    That was the last thing he needed right now. He did not need to go tumbling back down the stairs, knocking over some human dodad downstairs, and alerting every guard that he had arrived. He shivered at the thought. Not when I am so close....I can practically taste it.....although that might be the map in my mouth.  He continued up the staircase at a snails pace, carefully placing each of his paws one at a time, until he came to a simple wooden door. He cocked his head to the side as his eyes traced the basic wooden surface. Surely this can't be the room to the wizard's study. He unrolled the map, and glanced it over quickly. His eyes than looked up to the door, than back to the map. No....this was the place alright.

    He curled his mouth into disgust as he glared daggers at the door. There were no runes, no lock, no pristine iron or stone, just a normal, wooden, scratched and dented door. He wrinkled his muzzle. At least have some grand decoration or something for your study....it's just so.......plain. He sat down briefly on his haunches, curling his tail around him as he thumped it slightly on the floor in irritation. Every wizard in this gods damned city has been a disappointment. He rolled his eyes as he reached out with a fore paw and placed it carefully on the wood. It even feels like normal wood...That's another thing we can discuss about if they are in there......about how to decorate your house properly.....like a wizard should...

    He gave a sigh as he twitched his frills, and resettled his wings against his back. Well at least I get my book back, yet another reason I cannot wait to wash my scales of this place. He pushed firmly on the door, it's simple frame opening up easily for the dragon to reveal the room beyond it.

    There was a sudden myriad of smells that seem to explode from the room towards him, assaulting his nose with their sharp stench. It made him wrinkle his snout as he nearly gagged, he lowered his face to the ground and covered his nose with his paws. OH GODS IT SMELLS LIKE ONE HUNDRED HORSES.... He gasped for air through his mouth, fighting back the urge to vomit all over the stone floor. Although it would serve them right, for having such a vile smell in this place. He carefully undid his paw coverings after several minutes of; tail twitches, and deep breaths.  It still smelled, but thankfully was not as the same overpowering scent as he had before. With a wrinkled snout he padded his way into the brightly lit study.

    His eyes took in the room, that appeared to be able to hold his wing span twice over, if he were in his true form. There were numerous dark red wooden tables, with various glass bottles scattered over them in an organized fashion. Papers and books were neatly stashed on two book cases on the opposite wall, with a  three slits for windows.  He placed one paw in, his eyes going to the mana lanterns lighting the place. There could be anything in he--. He suddenly felt something wrap around him, the familiar sense of something magical. He felt his head go all fuzzy, as his world started to spin slightly. No I did NOT come this far to fall victim to a simple TRAP.  He snarled, barring his teeth and shook his head violently.  With a final tap of his paw on the stone floor his world started to reorient itself. He took a step back, shaking his head softly one last time, re-adjusting his wings against his back.

    “Hah you think a simple magical trap could stop me?!" He laughed out loud, thrashing his tail against the stone. He made a note to tell them about this part of course. How he was able to shrug of the magical enchantment. He smirked, as the wizard had probably thought themselves so clever. I bet you never thought I would get into this place. He held his paw to his snout, and making sure to change back into his normal size. With a puff of blue smoke, he grew into his regal self, the proper size. There was just enough room between some of the tables for him to fit, and thankfully when he held his head at it's full height he did not catch anything.  He snaked his head from desk to desk, trying to not sniff in the vile smelling liquids that sat within the bottles. He casually moved them aside with a single outstretched claw. He made sure to be extra careful, he did not need to spill anything. Who knew what any of these vials could contain. Probably some sort of death potion, or something. He stopped his tail from twitching, making sure to not catch it on any of the tables.

    It has to be here somewhere. He thought, as his eyes briefly looked outside to the courtyard that lay below. Or maybe it is in the laboratory that Shandalar and Arcturus went to. He narrowed his eyes, as he glared at the room as if it were taunting him. Figures we have to split up, and I have nothing to show for it. That's when he noticed a small imperfection on one of the walls right below the mana lantern there. He twitched his snout frills as he slowly moved his head closer to inspect it.

    The imperfection seemed to be a spot where someone had been placing there hand. Possibly to hold their weight? He reached out with a paw, and placed it overt he spot.  He left it there for a minute, his heart beating faster, and his breath short. Although to his disappointment nothing happened. Manticore's bottom. He bared his teeth and jerked his paw up suddenly, accidentally striking the mana lantern. Although instead of it flying off the wall it moved up with his paw with a sudden clank of metal on metal.

    Sparks suddenly flew all around his vision, as he felt magic start to envelop him again. His entire body for a moment started to feel weightless, as he stumbled backwards. Not again. Not another gods damn trap. He bumped into one of the tables, the sound of glass shattering behind him seemed to be far away, enough so that it was barely a noise to pick up. He figured if it were not for his dragon hearing he would not have heard it at all. FIGHT THIS. He screamed into his head as he fought to regain control of his limbs. Than he felt a slight tremor in his tail as he breathed in deep, his lungs swelling his scaled chest. He thrashed his tail out, and let his fire spring forth onto another table.

    The orange-red flames enveloped the surface with potions, incinerating them with the flame's embrace. He watched the papers there coil and burn, the liquids bubble and evaporate. Finally the wood itself turned into a pile of ash. When the fire had stopped he was standing there with gasping breaths, the stars and sensations gone from his body. Good another spell thrown off.  He gave a weak smile, looking to the move mana lantern. If I was not a dragon, I bet I would be ripe for the capture at the moment. From the wall, a gryphon sized door had slid open, to reveal stairs spiraling down. Great, I went up just to go back down. He rolled his eyes before looking to the knocked over table, spilled potions, and ashes of the other table. Well there is no going back now. If someone comes,  they will know something is up. He rose his snout to the door and gave a snort. Best hurry then before someone comes and looks. He carefully padded over to the door, making sure that his soft paw steps did not touch any of the potions that were busy mixing on the stone. He did not want to end up dead after all, or possibly turned into a newt.

    
    He carefully placed a paw on the first step leading down this new staircase. Pulling it back almost the moment it touched the cold stone. The very air here seemed to drop in temperature, as he wrinkled his snout once again. Come on, go get your book. He took a breath and settled his wings against his back. He pressed his paw again onto the stone and began to wind down the staircase. He imagined a person walking up to find himself, the dragon that he was stalking towards them, and nearly dying of fright. That would make my night....besides Arcturus.... He shook his head softly, No no time to think of that..have to focus...on the book. He shivered as the temperature around him continued to drop, not even slightly this time, but a sudden sharp change to nearly freezing. It felt like small daggers jabbing him under his scales as he pressed forward with his next breath and a shiver. How do white dragons put up with this? He growled, the air around him starting to have a purple mist hanging in the air. He paid it no mind as he thought to how Silver dragons also had no problem with the cold. They must be crazy...all of them.

    “Not all of us of course." came a voice from his right,that made his blood turn to ice. It was a voice Veledar had not heard for years. It was the voice of his dead brother.

    He shot his head towards the sound, to find that nothing was beside him. He froze in place, his tail swishing behind him. No....it was just like the fairy realm....it could not be him..... He held lowered his snout as she traced the stone with a  claw. IT was just another magical trick....it had to be. He arced his neck back to look back along his spine. He was only granted his crimson scales, and his folded wings, no sign of his deceased loved one. He narrowed his eyes and continued along his way, snorting the purple mist away from him. It's probably this damned mist hanging around me. He closed his eyes briefly, trying to bring his thoughts back to his book and away from his brother.
    

    He continued down the winding mist filled staircase. He sucked in with his next breath, expanding his chest once again. With a flick of his tail, and a small exhale, he let out a small red-orange strip of flame that shot out from his maw. It caught the mist on the edges, and slowly burned it away in an instant. It looked like flames suddenly exploded where the mist was touching. They cascaded out in mere seconds, wrapping Veledar himself in the burst of fire. When it had all settled, the purple mist as gone. The worried feeling in the back of his mind about his brother had vanished along with the purple mist. There yet another trap gone from my greatness. He held his head high and smirked. See I don't even need the others, I am doing fine without... He suddenly felt weariness settle into his joints, causing him to feel slightly sluggish. He froze in place, trying to figure out what was going on. Perhaps throwing off these spells with my dragon like charms is draining me? He wrinkled his snout at the thought. His thoughts drifted to the others once again, imagining them here along side with him.

    He would probably roll his eyes at Merlia, laugh with Lyndis, jump when Asterion snorted, tease Shandalar. Than he thought to Arcturus, and his heart skipped a beat. He would probably be trying to steal a kiss from the human, or possible give him a view up his tail. Just to tease him of course. He gave a sigh, as he made it finally to the bottom. I miss all of them....well maybe not the elf. He shrugged and went to place his paw on the door, but hesitated. What if there is a magical trap on this one? He shook his head and stared at it. It was not like he had a choice. The damned elf split us up. How I will have choice words with her when we get meet back up. He pressed his paw against the door, and pushed, the door swung open to reveal another large room.

    This one the length and width of two if his wing spreads. Along the walls still hung mana lanterns just like every other room before it, casting the stone pillars that littered the room with long shadows. He creeped in slowly, lowering himself as he made his way across the floor. He felt a shiver go up his spine as his next breath brought the familiar smell of home. His eyes widened, his frills twitched, and he kneaded his claws against the stone. His book was in this very room. But where? He strode passed the stone pillars, more quickly than he meant to. He could feel his heart pound as he scanned the walls. There was nothing in this empty room except the pillars, and the smell of his book. IT HAS TO BE HERE. He shouted to himself internally, as he raked some claws against a stone pillar. He could feel his blood rising, I can not come this close and fail to get it. He barred his teeth, and let out an irritated hiss to an enemy that was not there. His tail brushed against one of the pillars gently, as he strode passed. He heard a soft hum, and a dull pink light suddenly glow behind him. He spun his neck slowly, to see that the pillar he had touched with his tail was glowing the same pink.
    
    Another grin formed to his face as he brushed another of the stones with his tail. Sure enough that one also lit up pink, casting the same glow on the stone. So perhaps this is how you were hiding my book. He looked around for any clue on which one he could possibly hit next. It can't be just hit all of them and hope for the best. He cocked his head to the side, as he inspected pillar after pillar. Surely that would be ridiculous.....although.... He held out a claw, and hovered it over another random pillar. It would certainly be something dismissed as ridiculous.  He held his claw over the stone surface as he wrinkled his snout. No it can't be that....Than someone might get it right by accident. He shook his head, and sat down away from the pillars, curling his tail carefully right behind him. I know mortals can be a bit thick at times...But there were not that stupid..

    He drummed his claws against the tip of his scaled snout. There had to be a way to figure out which ones to press...He glanced to the two glowing pillars. I have already gotten two right by sheer dumb luck... He gave a sigh, yet another thing to leave out when he retold this to his mortal friends. Let them think I got it on my first go.  He gave a deep sniff of the place, trying to ignore the stench of book that seemed to be clinging to the place. It took a few more tries until he could recognize one stench, it smelled of stone, sweat, fear, and horses. Human. He grinned to himself, as he followed the trail to one of the pillars. He figured he looked like one of the bloodhounds used to track things, or possibly like those pesky kittybirds when they were doing the same thing. He rolled his eyes at it occurred to him it was yet another thing he was going to not be sharing with his friends. He rose his head, and pressed his paw against the stone pillar, releasing a pleased rumble as the pink glow sprung forth across it's stone surface. One down.

    He followed the smell of the human to every pillar, smiling to himself as he could make out a warn spot where the person had placed their hand. Oh silly mortals. He grinned, touching each pillar in order, until there was a whole plethora of pink stones. He touched the last one with a gently touch, and as the light sprung forth there was a large clunk noise. He bounded away as the stones began to shake slightly in the air, as their humming increased. He heard a hiss echo through the room, almost hiding the sound of stone sliding away, to reveal the form of his book, resting on a bone white pedestal on the far side of the room. He froze for a moment, his eyes hardly believing that he was here right now, moments away from having his book back. He stepped slowly, almost trying to savor the moment. All the suffering he had gone through, all the injustices dealt to him.  Veledar continued to pad his way towards his book, as the sound of stone shifting had yet to die away.

    
* * * * *

    Arcturus held the map of the castle aloft in his gloved hands, tracing their progress through the place. His eyes wandered to the halls he had walked not that too long ago. The familiar path that took them close to the king's chambers, it felt so strange now to be here. The corridor now felt so empty, so hallow of anything that he had felt. It was like he was walking in a new place, and he but a stranger. The paintings, armor, and other things a pale memory of a man now passed. He rubbed the parchment in his fingers as they finally came to a hard, dark grey wooden door. Shandalar took position on the other side, it was hard to tell but Arcturus thought she might have looked happy with the way her mouth was curled.
    
    “Are you ready Arcturus?" She asked softly, running her hand along the surface of the wood. It looked like waxing the door with how here movements repeated themselves with circular motions. However Arcturus knew she was just searching for any trace of magic.

    “I have come this far Shandalar, I am most ready." He replied with a quick nod, rolling the map up and stowing it in one of his pouches. “I am certainly not going to turn back now." Not after everything that has happened. He thought as she pressed on the door, opening it with a slight creak. He went through the door first, his heart began to quicken and his pace slowed. He had never been in the wizard laboratory before, and did not know what exactly they would find there.

    The room itself was made of worn stone, with mana lanterns hanging from the ceiling to cast a dim light around them. The room smelled of cleaning materials, and stone. He took a soft step onto the stone, the air around them silent, except for the sound of their combined breathing. Against the walls were desks, bookcases, tables, and other various furniture that might be typical for a place of study. There were books wide open of their surfaces, with note jotted right on the pages. Candles that had been burned almost to the base of their holders, and corked bottles of potions of all different colors. The far side of the room had two entryways. One with stairs clearly winding up to the next floor, and another one winding down to the floor below.

    “So do you have any idea if it was in here were would it be?"

    “Not exactly." Shandalar replied, strolling passed him. He saw her eyes scan the books on the table. “But I am sure we will be able to find it, it will most likely be an important thing to have in here."

    He nodded again as she started helping her with the search. He leafed through papers, checked spines of books, inspected the open ones, and started pulling out drawers to search. Uniter...uniter..uniter. The thoughts repeated in his mind as he set down yet another parchment's of notes that were not what he was looking for. He frowned as he had yet seen any sign of his friends book either. I wonder how Veledar is doing? He imagined the dragon was still irritated with him, of having chosen to go with Shandalar. It's not like I had a choice Veledar...she made logical sense.. He strolled over to yet another desk, and began rifling through the drawers one at a time, pushing aside parchment, quills, and other various knick knacks they contained. I hope your safe and well. He shook his head slightly, of course Veledar was ok. He was a dragon after all. Although that did not stop you from nearly dying the first time.

    “I never hated you captain." Shandlar suddenly said.

    “What was that?" he held his head up.

    “During your engagements in the war." She continued, inspecting a cabinet. “I always thought you had a honorable attitude towards the entire thing. So I never hated you."

    “Thanks?" He said, unsure how to go about taking a compliment for leading successful attacks on her people.

    “There were times we out numbered you, and yet your knights were able to spin circles around some of our more veteran units...It was something to be admired Captain."

    “Why bring this up now? Especially now?"

    “Well I was making what you call small talk."
    
    “By reminding me I helped kill your countrymen?"

    “I was talking about your skills as a leader...not your ability to dispatch my people." She crossed her arms against her chest. “I don't think they are down here. We will have to search the other two floors to this place."

    “Naturally." he replied, “Why would it ever just be sitting there for us to grab?"

    “It would not be..that would be most unwise if you were to-" she stopped. “Your making a joke about it."

    “Yes I was." He laughed softly, as she started to lead him up the stairs to the next level.

    The room they entered was filled with row upon rows of bookcases, that were filled to the brim with folders. They stood there silently waiting it seemed for the pair to make their way over and begin rifling through them. He blinked his eyes as this room had only two mana lanterns to light it, and by the way the book cases were positioned, it could not fill everywhere.

    Who makes a room like this, and has it be cast in shadow? He narrowed his eyes, as he made his way to the closest bookcase. He stared at the dividers labeled with messy handwriting. Most of these were simple things like notes on spell such and such, or effects of golden ray flowers, aphrodisiac effects of wing grass on dragons. He laughed as he read the last one. They continued searching through the myriad of bookcases for minutes, until Shandalar finally broke the silence once again.

    “Hopefully your dragon is not too upset about the predicament. It however needed to be done."
    
    “Yes I know, you mentioned it before." he raised an eyebrow. “Why bring it up again?"

    “I was letting you know that I did not wish to bring hardship to your....feelings toward one another."

    “Are you saying you care about our feelings Shandalar?" he chuckled.

    “I am saying, things work out usually when my agents have their minds on task. Not worrying about hundreds of other things. Especially if a loved one is currently mad at them.

    Loved one? “Ok that's understandable, but Crimson Sky will be fine. Just you wait and see." he shrugged, rifling through more of the paperwork. Or at least I hope he is.

    “So what did you do exactly before coming here to act as a spy?"

    “I was a teacher."

    “A teacher? Did you have a whole school where you taught wizardry?" He pictured little children running around in robes, trying to cast spells at one another with smiles on their faces.

    “No, nothing like that. Although I did have several students learning under me." She said softly. “All of them joined in the war effort against your country."

    “So where are they now?"

    “All save one are dead now." She stopped searching, and Arcturus heard her sigh. “I suppose I did not prepare them well enough for the dangers ahead."
    
    “Sometimes no amount of preparation can save you." he muttered.

    “It was your knights actually that killed them." she continued, starting her search again. “I hold no malice against you of course....It is a war after all."

    He tried to think about the times he had fought wizards during the war. It was hard to place any particular ones, since they had so gods damn many of the things. “I am sorry, I do not remember any of their faces....there were so many that we killed in our tour."

    “Shame really."

    “So you said all but one...which was the one that still lives?"

    “She is the princess of this nation actually."

    Arcturus dropped the current folder he had been looking at. The parchment scattered all over the floor in an instant. He turned his head around suddenly, disbelief still in his thoughts. “You trained the princess of Lumara?" He thought to the dark haired woman the king had called his daughter, and how he had seen her over the years near the castle walls. She had carried herself with such a stern grace, it reminded him how Shandalar went about. That would explain it if she was her tutor.

    “Your king was looking for a tutor for his daughter. It seemed like the perfect way to get a job here and begin my years of spy work."

    “So why not kidnap the daughter? Or possibly kill the king? Surely you had chances over the years."
    
    “I was never allowed much alone time with the daughter as it were. The king would always have us escorted by a personal retinue of hand-chosen soldiers of his. As for the why I have not tried to kill him?" She held a hand to her chin. “The same reason. He usually has guards around him, or enchantments to protect him. Trust me, if it were so easy I would have done away with him myself." She went back to searching for a few minutes, before holding up a document. “Does the name Indomitable Aegis mean anything to you?'

    Arcturus jerked his head over. “Yes. It is the title of Crimson Sky's mother. Why do you ask?"

    “They seem to have a large file on her than." Shandalar held up a thick looking folder. “Should we take it with us as well?"

    “Yes if you would so kindly. Anything we can learn about her will probably be good for the dragon. Not happy...but good.

    Shandalar nodded, and stashed the folder quickly into her pack, hands once again looking through the sea of papers. “Why don't you go downstairs and check out there? That way we can speed our search."

    “Split the party again Shandalar?" He wrinkled his brow at the thought of it.

    “We are safe for the moment as we look for some plans. We do not appear to have tripped an alarm or spell." She sighed. “You will be fine Arcturus. I have faith in your abilities...even IF there is something there."

    “Fine, I will go and search the lower floor." He held a finger to her. “Although yell for help if you need it."

    “Naturally, this is not my first time out in the field Arcturus. Although you wont hear my begging for help. I am quite talented you know."

    “Your starting to sound like Crimson Sky." he teased with a smile.

    “Nonsense, I am just stating a fact Arcturus." she shood him away. “Now hurry on up so we may take our leave of this place."

    He gave her a nod and walked back the way they came. Down the spiral staircase until he was back in the lower section of the laboratory. How much longer until we find what we seek? He had to admit that his patience was wearing thin of having to search through so much paperwork. I imagine Veledar would have just scattered it all around cursing at it the entire time......maybe that's why she did not bring him here.  He padded over to the staircase going down when he heard a shout from beyond the door.

    “UNHAND ME!" came the loud squawk of Krotos.

    KROTOS!? Arcturus' mind screamed to him, as he sprinted towards the door. Without skipping a beat he threw open the door, to find that indeed Krotos was standing before him.

    The blue gryphon was wrapped in rope with his wings bound together. It appeared he was prisoner and was being led by four guards in chain mail  by a thin leather strap that was wrapped around his tightly around his feathery neck. It looked like the belt that had been wrapped around his beak had slipped off, allowing him to shout.

    The guards looked to Arcturus in a moment of surprise, before suddenly going for their weapons. “Shit!" two of them muttered, unsheathing their swords with a hiss.

    Arcturus unleashed his sword in a swift motion as well, the black blade shining blue as it tasted the air. First things first..Free Krotos.. He crossed swords with one of the guards, his shield blocking the weapon of a second one. He gave a rough shove with his shield, tossing the man backwards and tumbling to the ground. He backed away as the other two leapt to their friends defense, weapons held in whitening hands.

    They attacked in unison, trying to use their numbers to their advantage. However the paladin kept out of their reach, trying to strike back when he had the chance. They were trained well enough, but he recognized his own training when he could see it, and was able to stay two steps ahead of them. None of their blows could even bite at his flesh as he slowly managed to turn the fight around and lead them towards Krotos. When he passed his friend he made sure to lash out at his bindings, the black blade cutting them without an ounce of resistance.

    “Surrender Arcturus." one of the guards shouted at him. “and you will be shown mercy."

    “Nonsense." he replied through gritted teeth. He sliced out with his sword, the blade slicing through one of the guards weapons as white magic exploded along the length. He shoved another hard with his shield, the sheer force sending the man backwards into the wall. He released a groan of pain before slumping to the ground.

    “Run!" one of the guard shouted, as Krotos leaped to one of them, easily smashing the person into the floor. “Run and tell the others, Arcturus Lund is here!"
    
    “Not going anywhere." the guard beneath Krotos grunted, as he stabbed a dagger into the gryphon's hind legs, stopping him from bounding after the fleeing guards.

    Arcturus sprinted after the fleeing men, as Krotos finished knocking the man out with his forceful talons.  He caught the first of the two men easily, his sword strike slicing right through the man's leg as they ran together. The guard collapsed onto the ground a bloodied mess, as he continued his chase of the other one. I am sorry for that. He thought to himself. But we cannot afford to be caught now...and for it to be my fault. He redoubled his efforts as he rounded a corner, his armor rattling the entire time. He was amazed not every guard would be coming down on him right now. It was not long before he suddenly stopped, as the guard he had been following seemed to have vanished.

    I just saw him round this corner. He breathed deeply, turning and holding his sword tight. I don't think he could have just...vanished. He narrowed his eyes. They were going to be found out now, and it was all his fault. If only I had just let them drag Krotos away....Wait....what was he doing? His eyes widened as he realized he was standing in the throne room of the king. He recognized the two large thrones above stone steps, and the large brown banner of Lumara hanging behind them. The place that had filled him with pride at one point in his life, than made him hollow in another, now made him feel sick to his stomach as he glared at the thrones. He jerked his head back, realizing he had left the gryphon behind. Great I charged off again on my own... He took a step back towards that direction, If I messed up its best if we regroup...

    “Leaving so soon Arcturus?" came the smooth voice of Cornelius, as he emerged from behind the throne in his navy blue silk clothes. He wore a kind smile on his face, as he brushed aside some of his raven black hair. Outlining the jewel encrusted crown that sat upon his head. “And after delivering to us traitors."

    Arcturus felt his blood freeze as his king casually strode to stand beside the throne. He had the urge to just run at him, run him through for what he had seen.

    “It is of course good to see you." He smiled. “We thought you were lost to us from the dragon my boy! However clearly you were able to escape the beasts fowl clutches and make your way back to us." He wagged a finger in his direction. “So resourceful, but how could I not expect that from one of our mighty paladins?"

    Arcturus stood unmoved by his sweet words and tone. He knew what he had seen done in the name of Lumara. “I do not come here to bring you traitors your majesty."

    “Ah but of course you do." Cornelius chuckled, “Why else would you return? Surely not in some misguided attempt at my assassination?" he waved the idea off as ridiculous. “I mean you brought Shandalar here after all." Cornelius put the back of his hand to his mouth. “I always suspected her of course, but I could never quite place it. Not to mention you brought the princess of Drenedar here for me as well!" the king clasped his hands together. “You have preformed for us quite well, and once we get you caught up to speed we can go back to hunting down that red dragon that had beset you. Now put down the sword of yours so we can have a talk like men, and not beasts."

    “I saw the forts." he said. “I saw what was going down in there." he held his sword firm, ignoring the kings suggestion.

    “Ah." his eyes focused on him, his smile starting to fade. “So that was you who stormed that base." He shook his head softly. “I had heard the report from the men there, but I thought it was just a ploy from the dragon."

    “Why, did you change the orders to capture him?" He asked calmly. “Why did you make up the actions that I was sent to retrieve him?"

    “I did not lie to you Arcturus. I did want a boost in morale like I said." he gave a sigh. “It was a bit greedy of me. I wanted to be able to boost morale and divert disaster, but alas I decided to take the safer route and have you dispose of the beast instead." Cornelius started to pace in front of the thrones, “You can imagine my shock when it was found the beasts bindings had not been cut, and it looked like he had been set free. Why did you free him Arcturus? I assume of course it was you."

    “He was innocent of the crimes you charged him with."

    “Was that your call to make?" Cornelius frowned. “It was my wish as your king to carry out, and you disobeyed my order. You know not what I had planned, you could have very well doomed us all!"

    “Doomed us all?" Arcturus asked. “Why not have shared that information before I went out to hunt Crimson Sky?"

    “Crimson Sky is it?" The king gave a slimy smile. “I do not have to divulge everything to you Arcturus, that is my right as king." he sighed. “Although I imagine if I had done so, this may not have happened. I will of course place that blame on myself."

    “Enlighten me of what could have justified my actions of slaying an innocent dragon. I would love to hear of it my king."
    
    “Of course Arcturus, you deserve to know." Cornelius looked to him, his eyes filling with pity. “The lives of our entire country, all of Lumara." he held out his arms wide. “Even Rothdell and Drenedar would be at risk. The death of Crimson Sky could prevent all of it from happening.

    “You expect me to believe the death of one dragon would supposedly save our entire continent?" Arcturus replied, his voice dripping with skepticism. “What proof do you have of this?"

    “It was told to me by a seer."

    “You are expecting me to kill a dragon based on the words of a seer?" Arcturus snarled. “I though--"

    “You have met the seer Arcturus, if Garroth's report is to believed. You were in her very forest."

    “The Emerald Lady." Arcturus gasped, his sword wavering.
    
    “That is her name to mortals." Cornelius bowed his head slightly, “She has given visions to the royal family for years, and has been allowed to live within our borders if she did not cause too much trouble.

    “Until she helped Crimson Sky escape your clutches."

    “Did she do that?" Cornelius laughed. “I thought the orb had stopped working. Although I imagine with enough pressure we could force her from her forest now." he clapped his hands together again. “It was regrettable we had to attack her forest as we did, but Crimson Sky must perish you see."

    “You keep saying he has to die." Arcturus snarled, “Loosen your tongue and speak plainly!"

    “Tsk. Tsk.Tsk." Cornelius laughed, “Shouting like a dragon will not make me explain faster Arcturus. “You see she showed us a vision like she typically has done. Except this time her eyes went all gold when she spoke to us." The king lowered his voice, and Arcturus saw him shiver. “I saw devastation brought to our lands Arcturus. Death everywhere, families burned alive, ripped to pieces, and the...." The king gulped. “The sky filled with dragons, destroying everything in their path."

    “And your sure she was telling the truth? How do you not know she was wrapping you around her talons?"

    “All the visions she has given to us have come true in the past Arcturus." he said softly. “I asked her how I could avert such a disaster that would befall all our people. She replied that the nations had to unite under a single banner to stop the coming fire. So I set out to do that Arcturus." He turned slightly towards the window of the room, overlooking the city. “To unite all of Sethera....However she told me another thing that day." He turned back around, his eyes shooting daggers at the paladin. “That there would be a red dragon that heralded the return of the vast army of dragons that would devastate our countryside. She claimed if this beast was left alive, than our nation would fall, and with it the whole of mortal kind."

    “You expect me to believe the death of one innocent dragon would stop all of that."

    “Yes Arcturus, I believe it would...I thought Dreadflame would be that dragon....but this new one Crimson Sky fits the description as well."

    “I cannot permit a single innocent life to be sacrifice in such a way." Arcturus spat out in disgust.

    “Arcturus you have been on the battlefield, and you know sometimes you have to get your hands sullied." He raised an eyebrow. “What is one life, when we can use him to save all of mortal kind? Surely that is worth the price."

    “Never." Be gripped his sword tighter in his hand. “A single innocent life spent in such a way tarnishes the point you are trying to make."

    “You cling to something Arcturus that could very well doom us all. Surely anything is better than annihilation? Your going to tell me that sacrificing one life to save millions is wrong?"

    “Yes, I will tell you that every day, loudly, until I draw my last breath."

    “I am disappointed in you Arcturus. I thought after losing your wife...your son.. You might be more sympathetic to others losing their loved ones to dragons as well."

    “I lost them to an EVIL dragon!" Arcturus shouted, “NOT TO ALL DRAGONS! AND I WOULD NEVER START KILLING INNOCENT PEOPLE TO STOP THEM!"

    Cornelius gave a deep sigh, and shook his head. “Than you are a relic of the past Arcturus, something that we should cherish but need no longer to survive. He held up his hand, and gestured to Arcturus. “Lady Elwin, Arrest that traitor at once."

    Arcturus turned to see that behind him stood the form of three guards armed with energy crossbows, already humming. Lady Elwin stood their in her new armor, wearing a smile as her hand was on the hilt of her own sword. Beside her was also Garroth, standing like a statue in his dark plated armor.

    “Gladly sire." She said with a nod.“Step away, and remove your sword from my king. Surrender peacefully and you will be shown mercy.
    
    “NO WAIT!" Garroth shouted, holding up his gauntlet clad hands. “Let me try to talk to him." His eyes went from Arcturus to that of the king. “Please let me have this chance."

    “You may try and talk your friend down." Cornelius sighed.


    “Arcturus." Garroth turned back to him, his voice low. “I know we fought in the forest, and I thought the dragons had charmed your thoughts. How could I not? You are taking a stand against our nation,doing something that could very well doom our country."

    “The king just said that Garroth."

    “I am aware of what he just said." Garroth spat out. “Think Arcturus. I do not wish to cross blades again with a man I still call my friend! Please..think about all the people of Entis...everywhere..Imagine dragon's taking from them like they took from you! How would you be able to look them in the eye when you could have stopped it all."
    
    “By killing an innocent."

    “Yes."

    “At what point is it not ok than?" Arcturus snarled, his anger rising. “Two lives? Three? Perhaps  five. Would it still be okay to sacrifice five lives?"

    “To save millions?" Garroth asked laughing. “Surely you cannot be asking me that. You can see clearly which one ends up with more lives saved."

    “How about thousands than! Is any number justified if it saves more lives than lost?"

    “Is that not how heroes work Arcturus?" Garroth asked, “You try to save the most lives you can?"

    “Not like that. You find a different way than that. Doing what is right is not always the easy thing to do.

    “Arcturus please...come to your senses."

    “Garroth I once called you my friend." Arcturus glanced at all three of the people in the room with him. “However, over the last week...The fact your morality can be won over with coin....and this..." Arcturus felt his lip curl into a snarl. “I have no idea how I called you my friend. All of YOU call MY dragon a monster....when clearly it is all of you."

    “Arcturus stop and THINK and listen to your friend. If you surrender now you will be shown mercy. If you help us find the dragon you will be rewarded beyond your imagination. You will be a HERO. I will make sure you have all your lands restored, make you into a lord, I will give you power over others only rivaled by myself. So please my boy, listen to the words of your friend...to your king. Be the paladin of Lumara I know you are.

    “Take your rewards, take your titles, and shove them up your collective Arses." He took a deep breath, and figured Veledar would be proud. “ FOR I AM ARCTURUS LUND.... PALADIN OF BAHAMUT...AND DEFENDER OF THE INNOCENT." He held his sword tightly, a smile on his face as he spoke those words.

    “See what did I tell you Garroth." Cornelius sighed, “Elwin, please continue."

    “With pleasure your majesty." Elwin replied with a smile. “Arcturus...lower your weapon now."

    “You must think I am daft." He rose his shield up and held the grip firm. “Spaan." He punched out with his sword, having the blue energy field shimmer over his armor. As he did this, the guards went to fire their weapons. The red energy bolts, flowing off his armor and impacting the ground around him.

    “Than we shall settle this the old fashioned way." Elwin snarled, “Garroth?" She drew her own sword, and unslung the shield around her back. Arcturus noticed something about her sword, it seemed to shimmer in the light. Almost like his sword. Does she have a magical weapon?

    “I am at your side paladin." He drew his great sword and held it at the ready. His eyes hardened like steel as he glared at Arcturus. “Let us dispose of this traitor." begrudgingly spat out.

    “That's the spirit." She grinned, and with a shout both charged at him.

    Arcturus adopted a defensive stance as he moved away from the king, making sure he did not get a chance to stab him in the back. He parried Garroth's strike with his sword, and deflected Elwin's, the sword slightly glancing the shield. He tried to counter attack on Garroth but his old friend darted backwards out of reach, using the length of his great sword to his advantage. I could use the gauntlets..end this right now.  Despite what he said, he found himself unsure if he would kill Garroth if he did that. If would be the strength of a giant after all....and I have not practiced controlling the strength. He cursed his weakness as two pressed him again. He pushed forward, they would pull back. When they struck forward he would maneuver to deny them. It was like a deadly dance with swords, where the first person to make a mistake was going to wind up dead.

    “Gah!" Elwin gasped as he cut through a section of her armor not protected by the plates. She pulled back to reveal her brown gambeson had been cut through, with line of blood dripping down her arm.

    “Don't worry paladin!" Garroth shouted, sneaking under Arcturus' defenses with his next swing, and catching him behind the leg. His blade slashing across, just as Arcturus pulled it away.

    He grit his teeth as he felt blood start to dribble down the backside of his leg. He met their eyes as they circled one another, ready for the other to make their first move. They are good. He hated to admit it, but Garroth had always been good. Elwin herself had the rank of paladin, so she had already proven herself as well. I may have to use the gauntlets...or use a smite or two....I may have to kill them.

    They clashed again as they resumed their attack once more. The sound of steel hitting sky metal rang through the throne room. His blade glowed with the white light of Bahamut as they continued their fight, however no matter how he struck their weapons, they would not break. His eyes found the route of the problem when they met again. Both of his combatants were wielding weapons that had mana crystals in the crossguards. Probably strengthening the blades. He thought as they pushed him backwards as he desperately tried to defend himself. His eyes widened as Elwin had almost caught him right under his helmet, slicing into his neck. I have to end this now! He slashed back at her, focusing on Bahamut. She however slammed her shield into his sword, the great explosion of light throwing her back several feet, but for the most part she was unharmed. Garroth took advantage and sliced him across the arm.

    “Graaaaa." Arcturus gasped, backing away from his once friend, as blood splattered to the floor below them. He briefly touched his ,with his sword hand, imagining himself using Bahamut's light to heal himself. Sure enough warmth spread to his arm, and sealed the cut closed. He gave a slight pleased rumble as he eyed Garroth, and Elwin took his side once more.

    “Just surrender Arcturus." Elwin spat out, “You cannot win. Maybe if it was just versus Garroth or myself you could do it..But not against both of us."

    “Fat chance that." He replied, “I will be stopping you this day."

    “You will have to kill us Arcturus." Garroth uttered loudly. “Can you really do that?"

    I might very well have to.

    Both of them rushed him once more. Swords held tight, battle cries coming form their mouths.
    
    The guards behind them, who had been watching the entire time found themselves pounced upon, as Arcturus saw Krotos dive into them in a flurry of talons. They let out cries of surprise, before the gryphon silenced them in no time at all. It was over in a matter of seconds, as Garroth and Elwin made it to him.

    Forgive me my once friend. “Strength activate." He shouted, feeling the band suddenly fill him with a tingly sensation that spread to his entire body. It was like he had just gotten a full nights rest. All the weight upon his body soon lifted, and he felt completely refreshed. He gripped his sword as the two seemed to be in slow motion. He gave one final sigh and struck out with his shield at Elwin. He met her sword, easily throwing it aside with his strength. The shield carried through, striking her square in the chest. Her eyes widened as she was suddenly thrown backwards ten feet into the air. She struck the ground with a pained groan before rolling till she collided with the wall.

    He cast Garroth's sword aside as his own blade struck the warriors weapon. It was torn from his once friends grasp, clattering useless to the ground. With his next motion he sliced up, so that that his sword was held right at the man's throat. “This is over." Arcturus said through clenched teeth. He glanced over to see that lady Elwin had not gotten up from her resting spot. Is she? He saw he take a breath. Guess not. He gaze fell to the guards from behind, as they too were sprawled out on the floor. Krotos stood over them triumphantly, blood dripping from his beak and talons. Guess he had a harder time trying to not kill them.

    “So your majesty." Arcturus glanced back at the king. “Your paladin, and your mercenary are defeated." He smiled inside his helmet. “For the good of the rest of this world I will be dethroning you right now.

    “Sadly Arcturus, you mistake the battle for the war." The king shook his head as he held up a hand. “However you may have won this battle. I have already planned to win the war." He gestured with his hands to the other throne. Where a door had opened up, and several people with flowing brown robes brought out three people tied up in rope. Arcturus' eyes widened as he recognized them. It was Gus, Elizabeth, and Swiftwing.

    “I found everyone that helped you in your little crusade here Arcturus." the king chuckled. “Although we had to move that little gnome friend of yours. Her mind is too good to waste on what is to come next."

    His eyes drifted to the worried eyes of his friends, as they were roughly stopped by the people in robes. Arcturus counted ten in all, each one a different height and build. He was already counting his footsteps to them, already picturing his sword strikes, and how each one would fall.

    “So understand I absolutely hate that it has come to this Arcturus." Cornelius frowned. “Now throw down your weapons in surrender, or all of these.....traitors will be dispatched."

    “Do they not deserve a trial?" He shouted out, his sword not wavering. “What would the people think of this?"

    “Arcturus." Cornelius shook his head. “I could hang them in front of the entire city and they would cheer."

    “Your qualm is with me and my companions. Leave them out of this." he pleaded, ice gripping his heart as he found himself drifting back to the night with Dreadflame.
    
    “Not true. Each one of them helped you in some fashion while in the city." Cornelius started to pace, placing his hands together. “Each one took arms against me in some fashion...So my qualm as you so put it is with them as well....Now throw down your weapons and surrender or I will have them all killed in front of your eyes. Check mate Arcturus."

    No...it cannot....No. His mind stuttered and spiraled, trying to sift for a way out of this situation. Not again. He gripped his sword tighter in his grasp.

    “You let Gus go!" Krotos squawked, flaring his wings.

    “DONT TAKE ANOTHER STEP!" Cornelius screamed, jabbing a finger to Krotos. “Or they will all die. That goes for you too miss Elf. I can see you over there."

    Arcturus glanced back to see Shandalar holding her hands up. He frowned as he also noticed Elwin had stood up and was chugging a red potion. She let out a gasp, standing up straight as if nothing had happened to her.

    “Ages...If you see anyone make a move other than throwing down their weapons. I want you to kill your sacrifices got it?"

    “Yes my king." came a chorus of replies all at once.

    Arcturus felt his blade waver at Garroth's neck. Maybe if I surrender he might.....No he will just do it anyway....He gripped it tighter as he slowly realized there was no way to win this. Someone was going to die right here right now.

    “Don't you dare throw down your weapon!" Gus shouted out, managing to undo the wrap around his mouth. “He's playing you Arcturus!" Gus struggled as the mages fought to put the cover back over his mouth. “Unhand me you! Don't do it Arcturus! Krotos stay were you are! Asmmnnhngh" He mumbled, just as they covered his mouth once again.

    Gus!" Krotos screamed, almost leaping towards him. “When I get over there I will rip you dress wearing freaks to pieces!"

    “Empty threats gryphon..." The king sighed, “Well if you insist on staying this course Arcturus, I have no choice left to me. So I say again...throw down your weapons..." Cornelius sneered. “I will count to three, than your friends will die. One by one until you obey my request." He held up his hand. “one!"

    Arcturus' eyes scanned desperately for anything, anyway to help his friends. Find something! There has to be a way! His mind screamed.

    “TWO!"

    Like a sound of divine intervention came the great earsplitting roar of Veledar, echoing through the halls. It washed all around them, sending a shiver down the paladin's spine. Arcturus almost could cry as the king and all the mages stopped to look towards the sound.  

    “THE DRAGON'S HERE?" Cornelius screamed.

    “NOW!" Shandalar bellowed while throwing a fireball towards the mages, and with another flick threw a second one seconds behind the first.

    Arcturus heard Krotos give a cry, the gryphon no doubt rushing to his friends aid. Arcturus flicked his wrist and sliced Garroth right across the throat. He pushed off with his boots, bounding towards his friends in chains.  He watched the fireballs fly towards them, exploding all around them. The flames enveloping them in their red-orange embrace, incinerating some, while sending others crashing to the ground covered in lethal burns.

    Arcturus closed the distance as several of the mages that had not been killed by the twin fireballs stood back to their feet in a daze. His blade cut through one of the robe wearing men, bisecting him and scattering his torso to the ground.

    “KILL THEM!" Cornelius cried out, retreating behind the throne. “Elwin to me!"

    Arcturus cut through another one of the mages, he was so close now. He was just a step away and he would be cutting the one standing right behind Gus. He heard Krotos start cutting into several more of the robe wearing spell casters. Their screams filled the air, as they were ripped into by an enraged gryphon. Arcturus almost felt sorry for them as he blade lashed out at the last mage. This is it I...

    The mage placed his palm onto Gus' back, seconds before Arcturus' blade cut into the man, severing his hands clean off. The man backed away screaming in shock as he stared at the stumps that had been his hands. Before he could let out another collection of screams, Krotos was on the man and swiftly ripped his throat right out with his beak.
    Arcturus dropped his sword and shield as Gus seemed to waver in the air. His eyes had glossed over, his pupils wide. It was almost like he was under the influence of the halfling herb. 'Gus!" He and Krotos cried out, as he undid Gus' covering.

    “Come one!" Shandalar shouted from behind them. “We have to get out of here!"

    Arcturus heard the sound of more spells being tossed by her but he heard them fade as Gus struggled to draw breath before him. “Come on Gus...say something ya?"

    Krotos quickly slashed the ropes free from his friend, and catching the guard when he stumbled and fell. “Don't worry Gus. I am here for you." The gryphon said softly, his voice cracking with worry.

    What did they do..... “Come on speak man." Arcturus said, matching the gryphon's voice in volume and concern.

    “COME ON THEY ARE CLOSING IN!" Shandalar shouted out. “WE HAVE TO LEAVE LIKE NOW!"

    “A-arcturus......" Gus struggled to say, his entire body starting to shiver and grow warm to the touch. “K-K-K-KRotos...." Gus suddenly started violently shaking, his entire body thrashing as his eyes rolled into the back of his head. That's when to Arcturus' horror his friend started to melt before his very eyes. His skin melted away as blood poured down his face. Gus let out a loud scream as the rest of his body melted like wax set to flame.

    “GUS!" Krotos screamed out, tears forming in his brown eyes.

    Arcturus stood there speechless, as the only thing left of his friend was a large pool of blood. He could not move as his body locked up, the sounds of Shandalar's spells still being flung rang through their ears. His eyes just stared at the blood, and to his horror, a small red mana crystal suddenly formed from the blood, floating on the surface. He felt his entire body go numb, and everything else seemed to fade away.